Free CompTIA CLO-002 Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

A software-defined network (SDN) is a category of technologies that make it possible to manage a network via software. SDN technology enables IT administrators to configure their networks using a software application. SDN software is interoperable, meaning it should be able to work with any router or switch, no matter which vendor made it1. SDN is used to build and manage interconnections between cloud resources within the same cloud environment, as it allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and automation of network configuration and operation2. SDN is also a key component of cloud computing, as it enables the creation of virtual networks that can span across different physical infrastructures3.

A firewall is a device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules. A firewall is used to protect a network from unauthorized access or malicious attacks, but it does not create or manage interconnections between cloud resources4.

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, such as the Internet. A VPN is used to extend a private network across a public network, allowing users to access remote resources as if they were on the same local network. A VPN is not used to build or manage interconnections between cloud resources within the same cloud environment, but rather to connect different cloud environments or users to a cloud environment5.

Direct Connect is a service offered by some cloud providers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), that allows customers to establish a dedicated network connection between their premises and the cloud provider’s data center. Direct Connect is used to bypass the public Internet and provide a more consistent and secure network performance, as well as lower costs and latency. Direct Connect is not used to build or manage interconnections between cloud resources within the same cloud environment, but rather to connect a customer’s network to a cloud provider’s network. References: What is software-defined networking (SDN)? | Cloudflare, What is Software-Defined Networking? - IBM, Software-defined networking - Wikipedia, What is a firewall? | Cloudflare, What is a VPN? | Cloudflare, [AWS Direct Connect - Amazon Web Services]

According to the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, there are four common risk response types: avoid, share or transfer, mitigate, and accept1. These are the appropriate responses to risks, depending on the risk type, assessment, and attitude. The other options are incorrect because they include terms that are not valid risk responses. For example, migrate is not a risk response, but a cloud deployment strategy. Validate is not a risk response, but a quality assurance technique. References: CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 4: Cloud Security, Section 4.2: Cloud Security Concepts, Page 153.

The least costing server is the application server because it has the lowest used space and allocated space. The file server should have storage increased due to over 70% utilization because it has the highest used space and allocated space. To calculate the cost of each server, we can use the following formula:

Cost = ($1.50 x Used space) + ($0.75 x Allocated space)

Using this formula, we can find the cost of each server as follows:

• Application server: Cost = ($1.50 x 186 GB) + ($0.75 x 250 GB) = $279 + $187.50 = $466.50
• Mail server: Cost = ($1.50 x 250 GB) + ($0.75 x 300 GB) = $375 + $225 = $600
• File server: Cost = ($1.50 x 450 GB) + ($0.75 x 500 GB) = $675 + $375 = $1050

The application server has the lowest cost of $466.50, while the file server has the highest cost of $1050. To find the utilization percentage of each server, we can use the following formula:

Utilization = (Used space / Allocated space) x 100%

Using this formula, we can find the utilization percentage of each server as follows:

• Application server: Utilization = (186 GB / 250 GB) x 100% = 74.4%
• Mail server: Utilization = (250 GB / 300 GB) x 100% = 83.3%
• File server: Utilization = (450 GB / 500 GB) x 100% = 90%

The file server has the highest utilization percentage of 90%, which means that it is running out of storage space and may affect its performance and availability. The application server has the lowest utilization percentage of 74.4%, which means that it has some unused storage space and may be overprovisioned. Therefore, the file server should have storage increased to reduce its utilization and improve its efficiency, while the application server is costing the firm the least and does not need any changes in its storage allocation. References: CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Cloud Business Principles, Section 3.4: Cloud Billing and Cost Management, Page 87 and [Cloud Storage Utilization and Optimization | CloudHealth by VMware]

Geo-redundancy and backup are two methods that can ensure the availability of data that is accessed across multiple sites. Geo-redundancy is the practice of storing data in more than one geographic location, such as different regions, countries, or continents. This can improve the data availability by reducing the impact of natural disasters, network failures, or malicious attacks that may affect one site. Geo-redundancy can also improve the data performance by allowing users to access the data from the nearest or fastest site. Backup is the process of creating and storing copies of data that can be used to restore the original data in case of data loss, corruption, or deletion. Backup can ensure the data availability by providing a way to recover the data from a previous state, such as before a hardware failure, software error, or human error. Backup can also protect the data from accidental or intentional modifications that may compromise its integrity or security.

Geo-redundancy and backup are different from other options, such as auto-scaling, provisioning, locality, and zones. Auto-scaling is the ability of a cloud service to automatically adjust the amount of resources allocated to a workload based on the demand or usage. Provisioning is the process of allocating and configuring the resources needed to run a cloud service or application. Locality is the principle of storing data close to where it is used, such as in the same region, country, or jurisdiction. Zones are logical or physical subdivisions of a cloud region that provide isolation and redundancy for the cloud resources. While these options may also affect the data availability, they do not directly address the data access across multiple sites, which is the focus of the question. References: Extending a Datastore Across Two Sites with Stretched Clusters, SQL Server Multi-Subnet Clustering - SQL Server Always On, What Is a Distributed Database? {Features, Benefits & Drawbacks}, Cloud Computing Availability - CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ (CLO-002) Cert Guide

Availability zones and geo-redundancy are two strategies that can help minimize downtime for a SaaS application. Availability zones are distinct locations within a cloud region that are isolated from each other and have independent power, cooling, and networking. They provide high availability and fault tolerance by allowing the SaaS application to run on multiple servers across different zones. If one zone fails, the application can continue to operate on the other zones without interruption. Geo-redundancy is the replication of data and services across multiple geographic regions. It provides disaster recovery and business continuity by allowing the SaaS application to switch to another region in case of a major outage or a natural disaster. Geo-redundancy also improves performance and latency by serving users from the nearest region. References: CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Cloud Business Principles, Section 3.3: Cloud Service Level Agreements, Page 751 and Chapter 4: Cloud Design Principles, Section 4.3: Cloud Scalability and Elasticity, Page 1172

VDI, or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, is the result of performing a physical-to-virtual migration of desktop workstations. VDI is a technology that allows users to access and run desktop operating systems and applications from a centralized server in a data center or a cloud, instead of from a physical machine on their premises. VDI provides users with virtual desktops that are delivered over a network to various devices, such as laptops, tablets, or thin clients1. VDI offers several benefits, such as improved security, reduced costs, increased flexibility, and enhanced performance2.

SaaS, or Software as a Service, is not the result of performing a physical-to-virtual migration of desktop workstations, but a cloud service model that provides ready-to-use software applications that run on the cloud provider’s infrastructure and are accessed via a web browser or an API3. SaaS does not involve migrating desktop workstations, but using software applications that are hosted and managed by the cloud provider.

IaaS, or Infrastructure as a Service, is not the result of performing a physical-to-virtual migration of desktop workstations, but a cloud service model that provides access to basic computing resources, such as servers, storage, network, and virtualization, that are hosted on the cloud provider’s data centers and are rented on-demand. IaaS does not involve migrating desktop workstations, but renting infrastructure resources that can be used to host various workloads.

VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is not the result of performing a physical-to-virtual migration of desktop workstations, but a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between a device and a network over the internet. VPN does not involve migrating desktop workstations, but connecting to a network that can provide access to remote resources or services. References: What is VDI? Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Definition - VMware; VDI Benefits: 7 Advantages of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure; What is SaaS? Software as a service | Microsoft Azure; [What is IaaS? Infrastructure as a service | Microsoft Azure]; [What is a VPN? | HowStuffWorks].

Licensing models are the most likely financial consideration when selecting a cloud provider, as they determine how the cloud service is priced, billed, and consumed by the customer. Licensing models can vary depending on the type, level, and duration of the cloud service, as well as the vendor’s policies and agreements. Licensing models can have a significant impact on the total cost of ownership (TCO) and the return on investment (ROI) of the cloud service, as well as the customer’s flexibility, scalability, and security. Licensing models can also affect the customer’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, such as data protection, privacy, or intellectual property rights. Therefore, customers should carefully compare and evaluate different licensing models offered by different cloud providers, and choose the one that best suits their needs, budget, and goals12

References: CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Certification Exam Objectives3, CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Study Guide, Chapter 2: Business Principles of Cloud Environments

Transference is a risk response method that involves shifting the responsibility or impact of a risk to a third party3. Transference does not eliminate the risk, but it reduces the exposure or liability of the original party. A common example of transference is insurance, where the risk is transferred to the insurer in exchange for a premium4. In this case, the SaaS provider transfers the risk of misuse of the service to the customer by specifying it in the user agreement.

References:

• Avoid, Mitigate, Transfer, or Accept? PMP Exam Guide, ProjectPractical
• Avoid, Mitigate, Accept or Transfer?, St Andrews Consulting

 Availability is one of the three basic functions of security management that are present in all systems. Availability is the assertion that a computer system is available or accessible by an authorized user whenever it is needed. Systems have high order of availability to ensure that the system operates as expected when needed1. Availability provides building of fault tolerance system in the products. It also ensures the backup processing by including hot and cold sites in the disaster recovery planning1.

Having a local user database option to ensure the application can still be used if the corporate directory is not responsive to login requests is an example of availability, as it ensures that the users can access the application even if the primary authentication service is unavailable. This is a form of backup processing that provides an alternative means of accessing the application in case of a failure or outage. Having a local user database option does not affect the access, authorization, or auditing of the application, as these are related to the identification, verification, and monitoring of the users, not the availability of the application. References: Availability in Information Security - GeeksforGeeks; 5 Security Concepts Every Developer Should Understand; The 7 Basic Principles of IT Security - Techopedia.

Big Data is a term that refers to data sets that are too large, complex, or diverse to be processed by traditional methods1. Big Data is characterized by four V’s: volume, variety, velocity, and veracity2. Volume refers to the amount of data being generated and collected. Variety refers to the different types of data, such as structured, unstructured, or semi-structured. Velocity refers to the speed at which the data is created, processed, and analyzed. Veracity refers to the quality and reliability of the data.

References:

• Understanding The 4 V’s Of Big Data, Forbes
• Volume, velocity, and variety: Understanding the three V’s of big data, DataSource.ai